OCD Programme

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can come in many forms. Some people worry that they may burn their house down if they don't check their oven repeatedly, others are compelled to do things following a certain sequence of numbers. It is also not uncommon for individuals to worry that they are pedophiles or that a loved one will die if they don't engage in certain behaviours.

Although OCD can present itself in many ways, a common underlying tendency is for people to have obsessions which are often understood to be thoughts and / or urges. Obsessions often act as motivators for unhelpful behaviours (avoidance behaviours, compulsions and other confirming behaviours). So if someone believes that shaking someone's hand will cause dangerous germs to spread, that person then will be likely to wash their hands. Unfortunately many behaviours resulting from obsessions can maintain unhelpful beliefs concerning the obsessions. So the more a person washes their hands, the more likely it is that this behaviour will occur again.

It is therefore very important to address these unhelpful behaviours. One common form is exposure and response prevention (ERP). This means that we will look at exposing you to the triggers of your obsessions, whilst getting you to delay, alter, stop or lessen your compulsions and other problematic behaviours. This is very challenging for a lot of people. Having an experienced professional present when engaging in ERP can therefore greatly increase the treatment effectiveness. I therefore offer a tailored treatment programme with OCD in which I confront the triggers with clients together whilst offering support in altering unhelpful behaviours.

Many individuals suffering from OCD present with common themes which often fuel their OCD. Some individuals for example try to complete everything they do in a perfect manner and feel great distress when this can't be achieved. Other's believe that they have to avoid conflict, or emphasise excessive control of their thoughts and behaviours. Whilst some people please constantly in order to avoid fears of rejection. Such themes are often fed and in turn increase low self-esteem. As low self-esteem can be a driving force for OCD, I will also use a custom made approach on increasing your self-esteem too (if needed).

Often there are many other things which will be covered, but as I will tailor a treatment programme towards you, they will differ depending on your specific problem presentation.